Evacuation orders lifted after multiple wildfires break out in southwest Lancaster County

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Evacuation orders have been lifted for residents in southwest Lancaster County after multiple grass fires broke out in the area Thursday.

Firefighters were battling two grass fires just northwest and southwest of Denton and a third fire east of Crete around 1:50 p.m. Crews also worked on additional grass fires that broke out in the county throughout the afternoon.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said at 5:50 p.m. that there are still a few grass fires popping up in the county, but everything is mostly contained.

Crews were working in the areas of:

• SW 100th and W Martell
• NW 140th and W Adams – contained 
• SW 140th and W Rokeby – contained

LSO said another fire in the area of SW 112th and W Pioneers was contained around 2:20 p.m. The evacuation order for residents in the area has since been lifted.

An evacuation order for residents in the area of SW 100th and Wittstruck and SW 84th and Wittstruck, was also lifted just before 6 p.m. The fire is contained, however crews are still working in the area.

Residents are asked to avoid the area and follow instructions from firefighters and law enforcement if you are asked to evacuate. LSO wants to ensure fire crews have access to roads and fires.

This is a developing story.

Grass fire in Gage County

Highway 77 in Gage County was closed in both directions from West Hickory Road to West Pickrell Road due to a grass fire on Thursday. As of 4:16 p.m., the highway has reopened.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office said firefighters are battling the fire with high winds and smoke.

Weather alerts

Submit your photos and videos below

Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.